How to Paint Trout Beads
Trout beads are standard beads that are painted various colors to simulate assorted varieties of fish eggs. The trout beads are either tied directly onto the fishing line above the hook to lure fish into biting or they are used in hand-tied fishing lures. You can purchase trout beads already painted but it's a breeze to paint your own.
Things You'll Need
- 6- or 8mm beads
- 1-quart-sized plastic bags
- Acrylic paints, non-water-soluble
- Cardboard box lid
- Clear lacquer spray varnish
Instructions
-
-
1
Pour in however many beads to be painted into a clear plastic bag. Six- or 8mm beads are a good size. Squeeze in three or four drops of non-water-soluble acrylic paint. The paint should match the color of fish egg your are simulating.
-
2
Close the bag and shake it until all the beads are completely coated. If the color is not quite deep enough, open the bag and add another drop or two of paint.
-
-
3
Pour the beads into another plastic bag and add a few drops of white acrylic paint to make mottled beads. Before sealing the bag at the top make sure to trap a lot of air in the bag. Shake the sealed bag so the beads look like popping popcorn. Stop shaking the bag when the beads look mottled. Avoid coating the entire surface of the beads with paint as in Step 2.
-
4
Pour the beads out into the lid of a cardboard box and separate them so they can dry without sticking to one another.
-
5
Spray the beads with clear lacquer varnish once the paint has completely dried. Set the can down and roll the beads around and spray a second time. Repeat until each bead is well coated with varnish.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
It's better to add fewer drops of paint to the bag when starting out. You can always add more to deepen the color.
Use spray lacquer in a well-ventilated area and wear a filter mask. Lacquer is toxic and bad for your lungs.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit red beads image by Edsweb from Fotolia.com
